Manipur Violence News: Children Killed, Highway Ambush Sparks Protests, Shutdown Across State

A wave of protests, shutdowns and road blockades has gripped Manipur, with public anger mounting over recent attacks on civilians, including the killing of two young siblings and an ambush on highway passengers. Demonstrators have warned authorities to arrest those responsible by April 25, as tensions continue to escalate across the state.

The latest unrest was triggered by the April 7 bomb attack in Moirang’s Tronglaobi Awang Leikai area, where a five-year-old boy and his five-month-old sister were killed after suspected militants allegedly hurled an explosive at their home around 1 a.m. while the family was asleep. Their mother was also injured.

Protests continued Tuesday in several parts of the state, including Keishamthong, where demonstrators raised slogans and carried banners demanding justice. Along key stretches such as Imphal Mayai Lambi, Heirangoithong and Singjamei, women and youth groups blocked roads and checked vehicles, disrupting movement.

The agitation has expanded beyond isolated demonstrations into a wider shutdown called by the Meira Paibi Lup, widely known as the Women Torch Bearers. The five-day strike has affected multiple districts, with roads deserted, markets closed and most commercial vehicles off the streets.

During the protests, some demonstrators accused “Kuki militants” of carrying out the April 7 attack and demanded immediate arrests.

Security has been tightened in sensitive areas, with additional deployments, including Rapid Action Force personnel. Clashes were reported in Kakching, where security forces used tear gas, smoke bombs and stun grenades Sunday night to disperse protesters during a Meira torch rally.

The confrontation began when protesters, returning from a market, attempted to march toward the Kakching Deputy Commissioner’s office but were stopped at the Kakching Keithel bridge. As tensions escalated, protesters allegedly resorted to stone pelting and slingshots.

Several people were injured in the clash. Among them was 35-year-old Irengbam Ranjita from Kakching Irum Mapal, who was struck by a tear gas shell and later taken to Kakching District Hospital by a team from the Indian Red Cross Society. Authorities have not confirmed the identities of other injured individuals.

Amid rising violence, Manipur Police issued a warning, saying some groups were exploiting public protests. Superintendent of Police Ksh Shivakanta Singh said that while many were participating in Meira rallies seeking justice, “anti-social elements posing as protesters have engaged in violent activities.”

“Over the past few days, several Meira (Women Torch Bearers) rallies have been taking place in different parts of the city. However, in multiple instances, anti-social elements posing as protesters have engaged in violent activities. These include the use of petrol bombs, catapults fitted with iron projectiles, and stone pelting targeting security forces. Many participants in these rallies were found to be under the influence of liquor or other intoxicants,” he said.

Tensions have further intensified following another deadly incident. On April 18, suspected militants ambushed vehicles on National Highway 202 near TM Kasom in Ukhrul district, killing two Tangkhul Naga passengers and injuring several others.

A joint sit-in protest was held April 20 at Khuman Lampak by local organizations, including Tangkhul Avenue Village, Khuman Lampak Apunba Association and Nagaram Village, condemning both the children’s killings and the highway ambush.

Speaking to ANI, Nagaram Village Chairman JK Raikhan said, “This is a twin incident protest. On April 7, two innocent children were killed, and on April 18, innocent Tangkhul passengers travelling from Imphal to Ukhrul were ambushed. Two people were killed on the spot, many were injured, and several vehicles were damaged.”

He also criticised the government’s response, stating, “We are not satisfied with the government’s response. Simply handing over the case to the NIA and announcing ex-gratia is not enough. It feels like a routine measure to suppress the issue.”

Raikhan added that authorities must go beyond procedural steps. “Instead of only transferring cases, the government must provide adequate security to ensure safe movement of the public,” he said.

The unfolding crisis highlights ongoing ethnic tensions, security challenges and public distrust in Manipur, as demands for justice and accountability continue to grow.